Shell-fuse.



No. 818,943. A RAT'NTED APR. 24, 1906. W. H.-DR1 GGS.

SHELL FUSE.

APPLICATION FILED MAB.11, 19.05.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

No. 818,943. PATENTEDAAPR. 24, 1906V Wj. H. DMGGS.

SHELL FUSE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 11, 1905.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

. l w Y l l' WILLIAM HALEADRIGGS, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT .OF COLUMBIA,

.UNITED STATES Y y PATENT OFFICE. I

- ASSIGNORk-TO DRIGGrSI SEABURY ORDNANCE CORPORATION,l OF SHARON, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

SHELL-FUSE.,

T a/ZZ whom t may concern: .l

., Beit known that I, WILLIAM HALE DRIGGs,

l a citizen of the United, States, residing at Washington, in the District of Columbia,

have invented certain new and useful Im- .provements in Shell-Fuses; and Ido hereby .declaiethe followinr to be afuli, clear, and

exact description ofa the invention, such as 'Willenable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to makeand use the same.

My present' inventionrelates to improvements irrpercussion-fuses for shells, and more .especially to that class of fuses in which the.

January 7, 1890.

` My invention will be understood by reference tothe accompan ing drawings, in which the same parts are in icated by the same .let- 25' ters throughout the several views.

Figure 1 shows a section through'the nose of a small shell fitted with my improved fuse. Fig. 2 shows a similar section through a modified form of fuse, but taken at right angles tothe 'section shown in Fig.' 1. Fig. 3 shows a similar section to that indicated in Fig. 2, vbut with slightly-modified form of fuse; Fig. V4 shows a' section similar-to that indicated in Fig. 1,' except that a base-fuse is shown, whereas in Figs.- 1 to 3 point-fuses are -shown.. The invention is intended to be fuses.

fully applicable to either point-fuses or basen Fig..5 shows in perspective, on an enlarged scale, the plunger indicated in Figs. 1 to '4. F ig. 6 lshows a front view of the plun-l ger indicated in Fig- 1. Fig. 7 shows a side elevation of the centrifugal spring arms lwhich normally hold the plunger in the safety position, said arms being detached from the plunger and being shown on l.an enlarged scale. Fig. Sis a view ofthe device shown in Fig. 7 as seen from the right of said gure; and Fig. 9 shows the spring-arms developed, on a reduced scale.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 5 to k8, represents the body of the shell, which isscrewthreaded, as at a, to receive the screw-threads L of the fuse-stock B. This fuse-stock 1s Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed March 11, 1905. Serial No.' 249.638.

' Patented Apriiei, i906.

preferably Jpr'ovidedwith an ogival head B', which may bel notched, as at b', (see Figs. 2 and 3 and shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1,) for convenience in screwing the fuse-stockinto the shell. The fuse-stock is also screwthreaded, as at b2, to receive the cap C. This cap is perforated, as at c, `and is provided with a small vent-sealing cap or plug c.

Mounted in the fuse-stock is a plunger D, whichis perforated axially, as at d, and this perforated portion is filled with meal-powder H in its rearend and with friction composition cemented into the front end about the serrated pin Fwhich projects somewhat beyond the face of the plunger, as shown in Fig.

1. The powder is kept from falling out of g the perforation d by means of the cap' h. The base of the plunger is preferably provided witlr lugs d', (shown most clearly in Fig: 5,) .which have overhanging lips doto embrace the central or heel portion e of the spring-piece These lugs d also fit in a notch inthe fuse-cap C, so that the plunger shall be held against turning within t e fusestock. The spring-piece E (shown in development in Fig. 9) is provided with a central perforation c to register with perforation d in.

the plunger to permit the passage therethrough of the flame from the primer and is also provided with two resilient arms e2, carrying curved Weights e3, which are recessed, as at e". This spring-piece is slid into engagement with the lugs d', and the resilient arms e2 are then bent over into the'slots d? in the plunger, so thatthey embrace the plunger, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 4. The head of the fuse-stock is provided with an inwardlyroj ecting cylindrical lug b3, surrounded wit an annular groove, which lug forms the anvil.

The operation of the device is as follows: Suppose they parts to be in the osition shown in Fig. 1 and thegunto be fire The rifling will spin up the shell., which willcause the spring-arms e2 to spring out, causing the weights cs to clear the cylindrical lug b3 and IOO unger will fly, forcreep forward sli htly, causing the yweights e3 toproject into t e annular recess surrounding the anvil, and thus holding the plunger in the firing position should the decreased rotary velocity of the shell 'be insuflicient to keep the resilient arms e:L extended, due` to the action of centrifugal-force. Thus when firing at long ranges, when the rotary motion of the shell will be comparatively slight, the

fuse will still be operative.

v In the form of device shown in Fig. 2, instead of the friction-primer, (shown in Fig, 1 an ordinary ercussion-cap I is shown mountf ed on a ni p ed on the plunger D, which cap strikes a 'ng-point b5l on the anvil b4. The

operation of the device is precisely the same,

as that referred to in Fig. 1. A i

In the form of device shown in Fig. 3, the magazinerimer K is screwed into the inte- -rior of the ead of the fuse-stock and carries a but this figure shows a base-fuse in which the fuse-stock B2 is screwed intoy the base of the shell and is closed by the cap M, having perforations mou This cap is rovided with an lannular pocket m and a ing-point m', above which point and in which pocket is mounted the percussion-cap N. This cap is struck by the firingoint d on the plunger D. The operation o the fuse is precisely the same as that already described with reference to Figs. 1-and 2.

It will be noted that in. au forms ofthe da' vice the spring-piece E is carried by and moves :with the plunger, and thus adds materially to thev striking force exerted by Vthe plunger when ythe motion of the shell is suddenly arrested. Furthermore, it will be-seen that the Weights carried by the resilient arms e2, form-a positive obstruction between thel face of the plunger and the face of the anvil or of the part. carrying the ignition device, whichobstruction positively prevents any possible premature explosion of the primer until these Weights are swung outwardV Aagainst vthe faction'of the spring-'arms e2. There being two ofthese arms, there are thus two positive and effectual safeguards rovided against any possible premature explosion of the shell due to the` im roper action of the fuse.

It w l be seen that in each of themodiiications herei i describedvthere is an abutment integral with or rigidly attached to the fisestoc ,with a recess exterior to said abutment, and -thatthe -weights e3 positively engage between abutment and the front face of the plunger when the parts are inthe safety position, but registerwith the recess when the parts are in the firing position. This recess is shown as ann'ular; but any suitable pockets for the Weights e3 at the sides of the abutment will serve the same purpose.

While I have shown various modificati.V 'as of the same general idea, it will be obvious that various other modifications might be made which could be'used without departing from the spirit of my invention. l

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Pattent of the United States, is?n 1. In a shell-fuse, the combination of a fuse-stock, a plunger normally held against rotation therein, means operated by the sudden forward motion of the plun er in the fuse-stock for firing said fuse, an a spring-l piece having resilient weighted arms-secured to said lunger and normally obstructin the forwar `motion of the plunger in the usestock but swinging outward under the action of centrifugal force when the shell is spun up and then permitting said plunger to plat-.ge forward when the motion of the shell is 'iddenly arrested, substantially as described.

2. In a shell-fuse, the combination of a fuse-stock, a plunger normally held against rotation therein, means operated by the s udden forward motion of the plunga' in the fuse-stock for firing said fuse, and a springpiece` provided with two oppositely-disposed resilient weighted arms secured to said plunge;` and normally obstructin the forward motion of the plunger in the se-stock, but swinging outward under the action 4of centrifugal force when the shell is spun up, and then permitting said plunger to plunge forward when the` motion of the shell is su arrested, substantially' as described.

3. In a shell-fuse, the combination with a said fuse-stock, and providedv with lugs ,engaging in a notch in said cap to normally prevent the plunger from rotating in said stock,

and a s ring-piece provided with'two oppositelyisposed `resilient weighted arms secured to said plunger and-normally obstruct ing the forward motion of the `plunger in the fuse-stock, but swinging outward under the action of centrifugal force whenl theshell is spun up and then permitting said plungerto plunge forward when the motion ofthe shelll is suddenly arrested, substantially as -described.

4. In a shell-fuse, the ycombination of a fuse-stock provided with an abutment having a recessat either side thereof,v a plunger normally held against rotation in said stock, means, operated by the sudden forward motion of theplun er for fuing said fuse, and resilient weighte arms carried .by 'said plunger and normallyv obstructing the forward denly y fuse-stock, and cap, a plunger mounted in 1 motion of said plunger but swin 'ng outward under the action of centrifuga force when the shell is spun up and then registering with said recesses thereby removing said obstruction, substantially as described. l

5. 'In a shell-fuse, the combination of a fuse-stock7 provided with an abutment having a recess at either side thereof, a plunger normally held against rotation in said stock, means operated by the sudden forward motion of the plunger for firing said fuse, and a pring-piece provided with two. oppositelyisposed resilient weighted arms carried by said plunger andnormally obstructing the forward motion of said plunger but swin `in outward under the action of centri 'ga force when the shell is spun up and then registering with said recesses thereby removing -said obstruction, substantially as described. 6. In a shell-fuse, the combination with a fuse-stock, provided with an abutment and an annular recess around same, a cap for said stock provided with a notch, a plunger mounted in said fuse-stock, and provided with lugs engaging in said notch to normally prevent the plunger from rotating in said stock, and a spring-'piece provided with two oppositely-disposed resilient weighted arms carried by said plunger and normally obs'tructng the forward motion of said plunger but swinging outward under the action of centrifugal force when the shell is'spun up and then vregistering with said recesses, thereby removin said obstruction7 substantially as describe.

7. In a shell-fuse, the combination of a -fuse-stock, a plunger normally held against rotation therein, means operated by the sudden forward motion of the plunger in the fuse-stock for firing said fuse, and a springpiece secured to the base of said plunger provided with two forwardly-projecting oppositely-disposed resilient welghted arms carried by said plunger projecting to the front of said plunger and normally obstructing the forward motion ofthe plunger in the fuse-stock, but swinging outward under the action of centrifugal force when the shell is spun up, and then permitting said plunger to p unge forward when the motion of the shell A1s suddenly arrested, substantially as described.

8. In a v shell-fuse, the combination with a 'fuse-stock, and cap7 a plunger mounted in said fuse-stockand provided vwith lugs en- .gaging in a notch in said cap to normally prevent the plunger from rotating in said stock, and a springiece secured between said llgs and provide with two oppositely-disposed resilient weighted arms carried by said plunger projecting to the front of said plunger and normally obstructin the forward motion of the plun er in t e fuse-stock, `but swinging outwar under the action of censtructing the forward motion of said plunger but swinging outward under the action `of centrifugal force when the shell is spun up and then registering with said recesses thereby removing said obstruction, substantially as described.

10.` In a shell-fuse, the combination of a fuse-stock, provided with an abutment having a recess at either side thereof, a plunger normally ,held against rotation in said stock,

means foperated by the sudden forward mog tion ofthe plunger for firing said fuse, and a spring-piece rovided with two oppositelydisposed resi 'ent weighted arms carried by said plunger and projecting in front thereof and normally obstructing the forward motion of said plunger but swinging outward under the action of centrifugal force` when the shell is spun up and then registering with said recesses thereby removing said obstruction, substantially as described.

1 1. In a shell-fuse, the combination with a fuse-stock, provided with an abutment and an annular recess around same, a cap for said stock provided with a notch, a plun er mounted in'said fuse-stock, and provi ed with lugs enga 'ng in said notch to normally prevent the p unger from rotating in said stock, and a spring-piece secured between said lugs and provided with two oppositelydisposed resilient weighted arms carried by said plunger and projecting in front of and normally obstructing the forward motion of said plunger but swinging outward under the action of centrifugal force when the shell is spun up and then registering with said recesses, thereby removin saidA obstruction, substantially as describe 12.l In a shell-fuse, the combination of a fuse-stock, a plunger normally held against rotation` therein, a friction-primer ignited by the sudden forward motion of the plunger in the fuse-stock, and resilient weighted arms4 carried by said plunger and normally 0bstructing the forward motion of the plunger in the-fuse-s'tock but swinging outward un er the action of centrifugal force when the shell is spun up and then permitting said plunger toplunge forward when the motion of the IIO shell is suddenly arrested, substantially as I described.

c 13. In a shell-fuse, the combination of a Y said fuse-stock, and provided with lugs en fuse-stock, a plunger normally heldagainst rotatlon therein, a friction-primer ignited by the sudden forward motion of the plunger in the fuse-stock, and a spring-piece provided With two oppositely-disposed resilient weight-- ed arms cjar'rie'dby said. plunger and normally obstructi'jgt'he forward' motion of Ithe piringer fusestock, but swingingoutw'ard under .thfe action of centrifugal forcef'when the shell-"is spun up7 and `then permitting said plunger to plunge forward whenthe motion of the shell is vsuddenly'arrested, substane tially as described.

14, In a shell-fuse, the 'combination with a fuse-stock7 and cap,"a plunger mounted in 1s suddenly arrested, substantially as described. f

15. In a shell-fuse, .the combination of a fils'e-st-oclr provided with an abutment having a recess at either side thereof, a lunger `normally held against rotation in saidJ stock,

a friction-primer ignited by the sudden forward motion of t e plunger, and resilient weighted arms carried bysaid plunger and normally obstructing the forward motion of 'said plunger but swinging outward under the action of centrifugal force when the shell is spun upl and then registering with said reunder the action of centrifugL cesses thereby removin said obstruction,

substantially as describe 16.` In a shell-fuse, the combination .0f a fuse-stock, provided with an abutment having a recess at either side thereof, a lunger normally held against rotation in sai stock, a friction-primer ignitedby the sudden forward motion of the plunger, and a springpiece provided with two oppositely-disposed resilient weighted arms carried by said plunger and normally obstructing the .forward motion of said plunger but swin ing outward I force when the shellis spun up and then registering with said recesses thereby removing said obstruction, substantially as described. .Y

17. In a shell-fuse7 the combination with a fuse-stock, provided with an abutment and an annular recess around same7 a cap for said stock provided with 'a notch,l a `plunger mounted in said fuse-stock7 and provided with lugs engaging in said notch to normally prevent the plunger from rotating in said stock, a friction-primer ignited by the sudden forward motion of the plunger in the fuse-stocl-z, and a spring# iece provided with two oppositely-dispose resilient weighted arms carried by said plunger and normally obstructing the forward niotion of said plunger but swinging outwardunder the action of centrifugal force when the shell is spun up and then registering with said recesses and removi describe A In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM HALE DRIGGS.

i Witnesses:

R. M PARKER, W MAX. DUVALL rsaid obstruction, substantiallyas- 

